The McLaren F1 team has announced a new partnership with Etihad Airways, a move that places it in direct competition with the agreement Formula 1 currently holds with Qatar Airways. From the 2026 season onward, Etihad will become an official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team, as well as its hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
As McLaren competes across multiple championships and continents, the airline will provide crucial logistical support through its extensive global route network. This network connects key racing hubs, including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and the United States of America.
We’re proud to announce that Etihad has become an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team from 2026 and beyond! A shared ambition to setting new standards on the track and in the skies.
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— Etihad Airways (@etihad) February 26, 2026
Trackside visibility will be a central element of the new agreement. Etihad branding will feature prominently on both the Formula 1 car and the WEC hypercar. Logos are expected to appear on the rear wing and halo safety device of the MCL40, as well as on the helmets of McLaren drivers.
The partnership also includes comprehensive digital and experiential rights, enabling both organisations to collaborate on fan engagement initiatives throughout the duration of the contract. In addition, Etihad will later this year unveil a special McLaren-branded livery on one of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, further underlining the airline’s commitment to motorsport. Etihad has also been the title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said the team is delighted to welcome a new official partner. He noted that with an ever-growing number of races around the world, working with a global airline that shares McLaren’s passion for excellence is a natural step. His comments highlighted the shared vision between the two companies:
Etihad’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences aligns strongly with our own values, and we look forward to working closely together in Formula 1 and the WEC.
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, also expressed his enthusiasm for the start of the partnership. He explained that Formula 1 brings together fans from across the globe in one of the most exciting sports in the world, and said he is looking forward to seeing the Etihad brand on the McLaren car from the 2026 season. To celebrate the partnership, he confirmed that the airline will introduce a striking new aircraft livery that will fly across Etihad’s rapidly expanding network and inspire fans worldwide.
McLaren is already preparing for the first race of the 2026 season in Melbourne, and the live stream of the entire race weekend will be available on the WeStreamF1 website.
